Fried rice paper dumplings offer a crunchy, savory twist on traditional dumplings, making them an exciting addition to your recipe repertoire. These dumplings are light yet flavorful, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a savory filling of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, these dumplings are gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a quick and delicious meal, these fried rice paper dumplings are sure to satisfy. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- Rice paper sheets: 12 sheets
- Filling options:
- Vegetables: 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Protein: 1 cup cooked ground chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
- Seasonings: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dipping sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
- Cooking oil: For frying (vegetable oil or peanut oil works best)
Steps
- Prepare the Filling
- Start by preparing your filling. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add your choice of vegetables and protein to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender and the protein is cooked through. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to combine. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Dumplings
- To assemble the dumplings, soak one rice paper sheet in warm water for about 10-15 seconds until soft and pliable. Lay the softened rice paper on a flat surface, and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it up like a burrito, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
- Fry the Dumplings
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat your cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the assembled dumplings to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once fried, transfer the dumplings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve
- Serve the fried rice paper dumplings hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce. For a classic pairing, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste to create a tangy, spicy dip that complements the crispy dumplings perfectly.
Tips for Variation
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the protein with a mix of firm tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the filling for a spicy twist that adds heat to every bite.
- Seafood Sensation: Use shrimp or crab meat as the main protein for a seafood variation that pairs wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint with the filling to add a burst of freshness and complexity.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Asian Fusion: Experiment with different fillings inspired by other Asian cuisines, such as adding kimchi for a Korean twist or curry powder for a hint of Indian flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, cook the dumplings in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Macros (Per Dumpling)
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions for Rice Paper Dumplings
- Can I prepare the dumplings in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Be sure to cover them with a damp cloth to prevent the rice paper from drying out.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply fry them in a pan or use an air fryer to restore their crispiness.
- Can I bake the dumplings instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the dumplings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
- What dipping sauces go well with these dumplings?
- Soy sauce-based dips, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the dumplings. You can also get creative by mixing ingredients like lime juice, honey, and sriracha.
- Are these dumplings gluten-free?
- The dumplings are naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels of sauces and seasonings to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Crispy Fried Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Crispy fried rice paper dumplings are a delicious, Asian-inspired dish perfect as an appetizer or main course. These gluten-free dumplings feature a savory filling of vegetables and protein wrapped in rice paper and fried to golden perfection. They're easy to customize with different fillings and dipping sauces, making them versatile for any occasion. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these dumplings are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Rice paper sheets: 12 sheets
Filling options:
- Vegetables: 1 cup shredded carrots 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Protein: 1 cup cooked ground chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
Seasonings: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dipping sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
Cooking oil: For frying (vegetable oil or peanut oil works best)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling (10 minutes)
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add your choice of 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked ground chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu (for a vegetarian option). Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season the mixture with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Dumplings (10 minutes)
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Remove from the water and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the rice paper. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito, making sure the filling is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
Fry the Dumplings (5 minutes)
- Heat vegetable oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan) in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the assembled dumplings into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried dumplings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the fried rice paper dumplings hot with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.